TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 2012
COMMITTEE ON PENSION, HUMAN RESOURCES AND CIVIL SERVICE
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Requesting Approval to Change Tuition Reimbursement for All Employees Effective January 1, 2013
Body
Dear Sir:
Following discussion at the November 1, 2012 Committee on Budget and Employment hearings, it is recommended that tuition reimbursement benefits for non-represented employees be increased to $10,000 per employee per calendar year. The proposed maximum reimbursement will increase the budget by $122,000 and is included in the Human Resources Department's 2013 budget request.
Prior to January 1, 2009, there was no maximum annual reimbursement. Instead, employees were limited to taking two classes per quarter or semester. On January 1, 2009, the program was changed to include an annual maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per employee, regardless of the number of classes taken. On January 1, 2011, the maximum annual reimbursement per employee was reduced to $5,250 as part of a cost-saving measure. This new annual maximum was also negotiated in collective bargaining agreements with all unions representing District employees.
Average tuition for schools in the Chicago area is approximately $2,250 per undergraduate course and $2,950 per graduate course. Average law school tuition is $5,480 per course.
The District's Tuition Reimbursement Program benefits the District by providing its employees with development opportunities resulting in more effective performance in current or future assignments. The requested annual increase supports the District's initiative to promote continuous learning and will provide employees with additional resources to pursue development opportunities.
All other requirements of the program will remain the same, as outlined in the current Administrative Procedure, a copy of which is attached.
Approval of the Board of Commissioners is also requested to extend these higher tuition reimbursement benefits to the represented employees.
Requested, Denice E. Korcal, Director of Human Resources
Respectfully Submitted, Cynthia M. Santos, Chairman Committee on Pension, Human Resources and Civil Service
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 6, 2012
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